Super Bug Encyclopedia

May 2, 2016
Produced in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution, this addition to the Super Encyclopedia series spotlights 100 insects, which appear in vibrant photographs, 3-D models, and detailed illustrations. Individual species are grouped into five sections (“Animal Athletes,” “Fearsome Hunters,” “Tiny Terrors,” etc.) based on behavioral or anatomical traits. Cross sections of animals’ habitats, diagrams, and video game–esque sidebars almost create the sense of exploring a website. The magnified images of the bugs offer startling, up-close looks at their antennae, exoskeletons, pincers, and more, and the vivid descriptions (“A pair of hugely powerful toothed jaws slice through the prey’s tough armor, before the beetle smothers its meal in digestive juices to soften the flesh”) offer an equally intimate view of their behavior. Ages 8–12.

Starred review from July 1, 2016

Gr 5 Up-Striking visual content and a wealth of facts and statistics highlight more than 70 profiles of nature's most interesting arthropods. Animals are grouped by broad categories such as anatomy, physical features, hunting, threats to humans, and life cycles. Each spread is devoted to a different species, with particular emphasis on a notable feature, such as the trap-jaw ant's lethal bite or the see-through wings of the glasswing butterfly. Most include a stunning image of the insect along with smaller, captioned photos or diagrams. Varied page layouts and a mixture of backgrounds provide fresh visual looks with each page turn. Articles include an introductory paragraph; an "At a Glance" list covering size, habitat, location, and diet; and a "Stats and Facts" feature, which provides more specific details, such as a graph of the mole cricket's burrowing depth. The large photographs, many of which fill most of a spread, are frequently spectacular: a vivid close-up of the green tiger beetle's head and an amazing view of a cicada nymph shedding its skin are among many first-rate examples, though a few photos lose impact because of the gutter. Cutaway views showing internal physiology and well-chosen spot images add further specific visual content. The index guides readers to individual species within the topical structure, though its usefulness is slightly marred by inconsistency. Though not a comprehensive arthropod encyclopedia, this is a visual feast with engaging content. VERDICT This selection has high appeal for browsers and will be useful for report writers.-Steven Engelfried, Wilsonville Public Library, OR

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